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Power sharing - class-IX

Description: power sharing
Number of Questions: 59
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Tags: power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science
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Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?

  1. A is true but B is false

  2. Both A and B are true

  3. Both A and B are false

  4. A is false but B is true


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
Power-sharing in democracy describes a system of governance in which different segments of society are provided a share of power. Power-sharing is good for democracy. Power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups. Power-sharing makes people dependent and responsible.
 

Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

List I List II
1 Power shared among different organs of government A Community government
2 Power shared among governments at different levels B Separation of powers
3 Power shared by different social groups C Coalition government
4 Power shared by two or more political parties D Federal government


  1. 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C

  2. 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A

  3. 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C

  4. 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Power shared among different organs of government- Separation of power
Power shared among governments at different levels- Federal government
Power shared by different social groups- Community government
Power shared by two or more political parties- Coalition government.

Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from the unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A, B, C and D

  2. A, B and D

  3. C and D

  4. B, C and D


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Belgium, there was a proper power-sharing arrangement between the French and Dutch. The transformation of Belgium from the unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.  
In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.

A type of government in which many political parties join together to prove their majority in the house ______________.

  1. Community government

  2. Democratic government

  3. State government

  4. Coalition government


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

When two or more than two parties come together to form the government, it is known as a coalition government. A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate, reducing the dominance of any one party within that coalition. 

A government in which different social groups are given the power to handle the affairs related to their communities is called  ________________.

  1. Community government

  2. Coalition government

  3. Democratic

  4. Monarchy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A community government is one in which different social groups are given the power to handle the affairs related to their communities. They are expected to work jointly for the benefit of the common masses without undermining any one community. Community government is an elected body by people belonging to one language, one culture or any common property no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

Power sharing is desirable because ___________.

  1. It creates many centres of power

  2. It increases conflict among different groups

  3. It avoids social conflict and violence

  4. It creates instability


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.

Prudential reasons of power sharing are_______________.

  1. The stability of political order.

  2. To reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

  3. A fair share to minority.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. Imposing the will of majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation.

Which one of the following communities is not related to Sri Lanka? 

  1. Sri Lankan Tamils

  2. Dutch

  3. Sinhalese

  4. Indian Tamils


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
Dutch is spoken in parts of Belgium.
Sinhala is the major social group in Sri Lanka.
Tamil natives of the country are called 'Sri Lankan Tamils.'
The rest, whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers during colonial period, are called ‘Indian Tamils’. 

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent nation in ______ .

  1. 1948

  2. 1943

  3. 1953

  4. 1958


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. 

Buddhism is the official religion of__________.

  1. Sri Lanka

  2. Pakistan

  3. Indonesia

  4. England


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
Sri Lanka has a diverse population. The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 per cent). Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhist, while most of the Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. There are about 7 per cent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala. 

Who elects the community government in Belgium?

  1. The community leaders of Belgium

  2. The citizens of the whole country

  3. By the leaders of Belgium

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
  • The Belgium citizens  elect the community government in Belgium.
  • Belgium people belonging to different communities elect the respective government (Dutch, French, German) in the legislature.
  • Election is done on community basis(language).

The major social groups of Sri Lanka are ______.

  1. Sinhalese and Dutch

  2. Dutch and Sri Lankan Tamils

  3. Sinhalese and Sri Lankan Tamils

  4. French and Dutch


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent).

Tamil natives of the country are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ (13 per cent).
The rest, whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers during colonial period, are called ‘Indian Tamils’. 

Which two languages are generally spoken in Belgium?

  1. French and Sinhala

  2. Dutch and French

  3. Dutch and Sinhala

  4. English and Dutch


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German. 

Which of the following country has the headquarter of the European Union?

  1. USA

  2. France

  3. Belgium

  4. Australia


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
When many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, was chosen as its headquarters.

In coalition government, power sharing is _______.

  1. among different organs of government

  2. among governments at different levels

  3. by different social groups

  4. by two or more political parties


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties is known as a coalition government. Usually partners in a coalition form a political alliance and adopt a common programme.
Congress led coalition government is UPA whereas BJP led coalition is known as NDA.

What is the percentage of German speaking people in Belgium? 

  1. 30%

  2. 59%

  3. 10%

  4. 01%


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German. 

Which type of social diversity or division do we find in Belgium? 

  1. Religious

  2. Linguistic

  3. Regional

  4. Gender


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
  • Linguistic diversity can be found in Belgium.
  • Dutch and French are major communities in Belgium.
  • 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
  • 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
  • Rest of them speaks French.

The concept of power sharing is based on the principle of ______________.

  1. Sovereignty.

  2. Distribution of powers

  3. Individuality

  4. Concentration of power


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Power sharing in any system is essential to prevent the misuse of the authority or power by concentrating in any one organ, department or person. Distribution of powers keep check on the functional authorities and keep every organ within checks and balances and ensure that given power is exercised in the best interests of people and nation. 

Which one of the following were the two super powers in the world up to 1991 ?

  1. America and China

  2. Russia and China

  3. America and Russia

  4. Britain and France


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The term superpower means superiority in terms of political, economic and military status compared to other countries. The emergence of America and USSR as global superpowers was set in motion after the Second World War. There was a clash of opposing ideologies such as communism by USSR and capitalism by USA. The period up to 1991 saw cold war between these two countries, which ended by the collapse of USSR on December 25, 1991.   

In a coalition government, power sharing takes place among different _______________.

  1. Organs of government

  2. Levels of government

  3. Religious groups.

  4. Political parties


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Coalition is the association of political parties having same ideologies or same interest for the purpose of political strength and maximum representation. In coalition government power sharing is among and between different political parties that are part of the coalition and decision is taken by each and every political party part of the representation

Sharing of power among different levels of government is known as the _________________.

  1. Vertical power sharing.

  2. Horizontal power sharing

  3. Organizational power sharing.

  4. Regional power sharing.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Under Vertical power sharing, power sharing takes place among different levels of the government in the hierarchy. The lower organ works under the direction and supervision of the higher organ.

How many people of Belgium speak German language? 

  1. 3%

  2. 4%

  3. 5%

  4. 1%


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
  • 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
  • Dutch and French are major communities in Belgium.
  • 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
  • About 40% of Belgium population speaks French.

What is the percentage of Dutch speaking people in Belgium?

  1. 59%

  2. 01%

  3. 10%

  4. 30%


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

 Of the country’s total population, 59 percent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 percent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German. 

Which types of social differences are in Sri Lanka?

  1. Linguistic and regional

  2. Linguistic and religious

  3. Physical appearance and class

  4. Caste and tribe


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
  • Both linguistic and religious differences exist in Sri Lanka.
  • Linguistic - Lankan Tamils and Sinhalese
  • Religious- Buddhism, Muslim and Hinduism

The horizontal distribution of power sharing takes place between the _________________.

  1. Legislature and executive

  2. Executive and judiciary

  3. Legislature, executive and judiciary.

  4. Legislature, executive, judiciary and press.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Under Horizontal power sharing power is shared among different organs of the government namely Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. These organs works differently but at same footing. This kid of distribution of powers creates the system of checks and balances over the function of one organ by the other organ while entitling them to work in their  own spheres.

Which two languages are spoken in Belgium?

  1. French and English

  2. Dutch and English

  3. French and Dutch

  4. Dutch and Sinhala


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
  • Dutch and French are major communities in Belgium.
  • 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
  • 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
  • About 40% of Belgium population speaks French.

The political reason behind the conflicts in Sri Lanka is _________________.

  1. Preferential policies of government.

  2. Failure of non government organizations

  3. Unwillingness of parties to resolve conflict.

  4. Absence of representation for weak.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The origins of the Sri Lankan Civil War lie in the continuous political rancor between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils, and the preference given to Sinhalese by the government in the policies enacted, especially the SInhala Only Act. Hence, Option A is correct. The rest of the factors do not figure as the political reason, hence, incorrect. 

Vertical power sharing helps in _______________.

  1. Concentration of power.

  2. Decentralization of power

  3. Creating differences

  4. Motivating leaders


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Decentralisation of power means when power is distributed from the authoritative level (higher level) to local level. IT allows delegation of power and smoothening of functions at different levels. It improves efficiency and accountability. For example, Legislature works at central level, State level and local levels in India.

The federal country is ______________.

  1. Bolivia .

  2. Belgium .

  3. Bangladesh .

  4. Bhutan .


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.

Which form of power sharing is also termed as vertical division of power?

  1. Power shared among different organs of government.

  2. Power shared among different social groups.

  3. Power shared among different political parties, pressure groups and movements.

  4. Power shared among government at different levels.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The division of power involving higher and lower level of governments is called vertical division of power.

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This system of power sharing can also be termed as ___________________.

  1. Unitary form of government

  2. Horizontal distribution of power

  3. Vertical division of power

  4. Community government


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution of power  because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. 

In Srilanka, after independence, the leaders of Sinhala community in order to establish Sinhala supremacy adopted series of____________.

  1. Majoritarian measures

  2. Minoritarian measures

  3. Neutral measures

  4. Racial measures


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

 The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.

Federalism is a system of government in which the power is _____________________.

  1. Concentrated in a few hands

  2. Concentrated in the central government

  3. Divided between a central authority and various constituents

  4. Divided amongst various communities


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
 Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
 One is the government for the entire country that is usually responsible for a  few subjects of common national interest. The others are governments at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the day-to-day administering of their state. Both these levels of governments enjoy their power independent of the other.

Social division takes place when some social differences_________ with other differences.

  1. Get mixed

  2. Undergo

  3. Overlaps

  4. Criss-cross


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
  • Social division takes place when some social differences overlaps with other differences.
  • The difference between the Blacks and Whites became a social division in the United States because the Blacks end to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.

Which one of the following cannot be called a majoritarian measure adopted by the Sri Lankan government ?

  1. In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language.

  2. Preference was given to Sinhala applicants in government and university positions.

  3. Constitution stipulated that state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

  4. It was decided to send Indian Tamils to India.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

  • Majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government since independence are

In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language.

Preference was given to Sinhala applicants in government and university positions.

Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

The religion which is practiced by 7 percent of Sri lankan population is ___________________ .

  1. Hinduism .

  2. Buddhism .

  3. Christianity .

  4. Islam .


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Christian population in Sri Lanka has declined from 10% in 1891 to 7.6%  at the latest census. Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Thus, the religion which is practiced by approximately 7% of the Sri Lankan population is Christianity. The composition of other religions are:

Hindu- 12.6%
Buddhism- 70.1%
Muslim- 9.7%
Other/ None- 1.4% 

Which form of government is prevalent in Sri Lanka?

  1. Majoritarianism

  2. Federal

  3. Unitary government

  4. Community government


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Sri Lanka has Unitary Form of Government in which states are in subjugation to the center. It has semi presidential government system where two executives are present i.e. President along side with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Federal power-sharing is more effective today than in the past mainly because ________________________.

  1. It is the age of coalition governments at the centre

  2. States today are more conscious of their rights

  3. Centre today depends more on states

  4. There are more powerful leaders at the state level


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

After 1990, India saw the rise of regional political parties. This was also the beginning of the era of coalition government at the Centre. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many parties including several regional parties to form a government at the Centre. This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments. Thus, federal power-sharing is more effective today than it was in the early years after the Constitution came into force.

Which one of the following communities is not related to Sri Lanka?

  1. Sri Lankan Tamils

  2. Dutch

  3. Sinhalsese

  4. Indian Tamils


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sri Lankan communities are mainly composed of Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors, Indian Tamils. Sinhalese make up 74.9% of population, Sri Lankan Tamils 11.1%, Moors which are descendants of Arabs 9.3% and Indian Tamils 4.1%. Conflicts have dominated the public life of Sri Lanka since 19th century, because of ethnic groups division of society. Option B is unrelated, hence the correct answer.  

Which one of the following is a moral reason behind power-sharing? 

  1. Power-sharing reduces the possibility of conflict.

  2. Power-sharing can reduce violence and instability.

  3. Power-sharing is in the very spirit of democracy.

  4. Power-sharing ensures the stability of political order.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

 Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. 

Sharing of power between different organs of the Government such as legislature, executive and judiciary is called ___________.

  1. Vertical power-sharing

  2. Horizontal power-Sharing

  3. Circular power-sharing

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is known as the horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others. 

Which of the following country has the head quarter of the European union?

  1. USA

  2. France

  3. Belgium

  4. Australia


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

European Union (EU) is comprised of 28 nations with its headquarter located in Brussels, Belgium. EU was created by Maastricht Treaty which came into force on 1st November 1993. The treaty was aimed at improving political, economic integration of European countries by creating a single currency Euro, common foreign and security policy. EU was awarded Nobel Prize for peace in 2012 for its efforts to promote peace and democracy in Europe.

The major social groups of Sri Lanka are _________________.

  1. Sinhalse and Dutch

  2. Dutch and Sri Lankan Tamils

  3. Sinhalse and Sri Lankan Tamils

  4. French and Dutch


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The major social groups of the Sri Lanka are the "Sinhala speakers and Tamil Speakers

74% population of Sri Lanka belongs to Sinhala speakers community.
18% population of Sri Lanka belongs to Tamil Speakers community.
Tamil speakers further divided into two categories
(1) Sri Lankan Tamils : These are the Tamil natives of the Country.
(2) Indian Tamils : These are those Tamils  whose forefathers came from India as Plantation workers during colonial period.

Between 1970 and 1993, in order to work out an arrangement that would enable every community to live in Belgium, the Belgians _________.

  1. Formed a new constitution

  2. Amended their constitution

  3. Segregated the areas of different communities

  4. Removed all kinds restrictions


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
  • Belgium constitution was amended four times between 1970 to 1993 to accommodate everyone to live together in the country.
  •  The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
  • For eg.  Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. 
  •  Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to the Central Government. 

Sri Lanks emerged as an independent nation in ____________.

  1. 1948

  2. 1943

  3. 1953

  4. 1958


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sri Lanka achieved its independence from British Empire on 4th February 1948 and became Dominion of Ceylon. It was then known as British Ceylon. Dominion status under British Commonwealth was for 24 years, later it turned into Republic of Sri Lanka on 22nd May 1972. D. S. Senanayake of United National Party (UNP) was the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. Option A 1948 is the correct answer.

What was the most serious demand of the Sri Lankan Tamils which resulted in a civil war in Sri Lanka? 

  1. Reservation of jobs for Tamils

  2. Recognition of Tamil as an official language

  3. Creation of an independent Tamil Eelam

  4. Creation of a federation with autonomy to Tamils


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
 By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been killed. 

Belgium government is a good example of ______________.

  1. Monarchy

  2. Community government

  3. Unitary government

  4. Federal government


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Belgium apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government. This ‘community government’ is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French, and German-speaking – no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. In Belgium, the leaders have realized that the unity of the country is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions. Such a realization resulted in mutually acceptable arrangements for sharing power. 

How many times was Belgium constitution amended between 1970 to 1993?

  1. Three times

  2. Four times

  3. Five times

  4. Six times


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Belgium constitution was amended four times between 1970 to 1993.

First amendment took place in 1970. The second amendment took place in 1980. The third amendment took place in 1988-89. The fourth amendment took place in 1993.

When was Belgium declared independent?

  1. 1840

  2. 1850

  3. 1860

  4. 1830


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Belgium (southern Netherlands) and Holland (northern Netherlands) were united to form one state to be ruled by King William I. There were protests and a series of incidents led to a revolution in Brussels around 1830. Belgium separated from the northern Netherlands and a provisional government declared independence on 4th October 1830.

Which was the only official language of Sri Lanka?

  1. Sinhala

  2. Tamil

  3. Portuguese

  4. None of these


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
  • The major social groups of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese (major ruling community) and Sri Lankan Tamils (majority group in Northern territories of Sri Lanka).
  • After Independence, Sinhalese followed several majoritarian measures to establish Sinhalese supremacy.
  • Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka in 1956.
  • Now both Sinhala and Tamil are the official language of Sri Lanka.

Match Column I (forms of power sharing) with Column II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

Column I Column II
A. Power shared among different organs of government. I. Community government
B. Power shared among governments at different levels. II. Separation of powers
C.  Power shared by different social groups. III. Coalition government
D. Power shared by two or more political parties. IV. Federal government
  1. A - IV, B - I, C - II, D - III

  2. A - II, B - III, C - IV, D - I

  3. A - II, B - IV, C - I, D - III

  4. A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

i) Power shared among different levels of government- Separation of powers

ii) Power shared among governments at different levels- Federal government
iii) Power shared by different social groups- Community government
iv) Power shared by two or more political parties- Coalition government.

Under federalism, the levels of governments are ________.

  1. Only one

  2. Two levels

  3. Three levels

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The three levels of government are local, state and federal. Local governments govern counties, cities, and towns. State governments rule over states, and the federal government rules the country as a whole. A local city government may be led by an elected mayor or a board of supervisors. It provides police, fire protection services and sanitation.

Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
I. Power sharing is good for democracy.
II. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?

  1. I is true but II is false

  2. Both I and II are true

  3. Both I and II are false

  4. I is false but II is true


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Features of power-sharing are as follows:

1. Power sharing reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups.
2. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
3. Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
4. Power sharing is good for democracy.

Which community was rich and powerful in Belgium?

  1. French

  2. German

  3. Itallian

  4. None of these


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

  • Dutch and French form the major communities and minor community group is German community.
  • 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
  • 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
  • Rest of them speaks French.
  • Capital city of Brussels consists of
French- 80%
Dutch- 20%

What is the proportion of Tamilians in the total population of Sri Lanka?

  1. $38$ percent

  2. $18$ percent

  3. $48$ percent

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
  • The proportion of Tamilian in Sri Lanka's total population is about 18%.
  • The major social groups of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese (major ruling community) and Srilankan Tamils (majority group in Northern territories of Sri Lanka).
  • After Independence, Sinhalese followed several majoritarian measures to establish Sinhalese supremacy.
  • Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka in 1956.

Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below. Power sharing:
I. reduces conflict among different communities.
II. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness.
III. delays decision-making process.
IV. accommodates diversities.
V. increases instability and divisiveness.
VI. promotes people's participation in government.
VII. undermines the unity of a country.

  1. I, II, IV, VI

  2. I, III, V, VI

  3. I, II, IV, VII

  4. II, III, IV, VII


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arguments in favor of power sharing:

I) reduces conflict among different communities - power sharing ensures that every member of every community gets a voice in the affairs of the country. 
II) decreases possibility of arbitrariness - power sharing ensures that decisions are not taken in favor of a majority community by sacrificing or ignoring the needs of other communities. 
IV) accommodates diversities - power sharing brings about cultural richness to the country, for example, India.
VI) promotes people's participation in government - power sharing encourages participation of the common people in decision-making processes, for example, the Right to Information Act of 2005 in India which aims to make government functioning more transparent by eliciting participation of the people.

Which is correct regarding power sharing?

  1. It doesn't help to reduce the conflict between different groups

  2. More conflict between different groups

  3. It helps to reduce the conflict between different groups

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
  • Power sharing is the very essence of democracy.
  • Power sharing helps to reduce the conflict between different groups.
  • Reasons for power sharing are coalition government, decentralization of powers and for protection of minorities in the country.

Which type of social diversity or division do we find in Belgium?

  1. Poverty

  2. Industalisation

  3. Linguistic

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

  • Linguistic diversity can be found in Belgium.
  • Dutch and French form the major communities and minor community group is German community.
  • 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
  • 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
  • Rest of them speaks French.
  • Capital city of Brussels consists of
French- 80%
Dutch- 20%

How many people speak French and Dutch in the capital city of Brussels?

  1. $80$ percent Dutch, $20$ percent French

  2. $80$ percent French, $20$ percent Dutch

  3. $90$ percent French, $10$ percent Dutch

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
  • French- 80%
  • Dutch- 20%
  • Belgium government is a good example of Community government.
  • Belgium Legislature is represented by all communities.
  • Dutch and French form the major communities and minor community group is German community.
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